Tag Archives: produce

May 30 2013
19 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #74

What's in the Box?

 

One of the things I loved most about gardening, was that seeing all the time and effort that went into planting, watering and growing my own food, helped me to appreciate my harvest so much more.  It’s no secret that I have a deep affection for my CSA box, but after last week’s visit to my CSA farm, I appreciate it so much more!    

For one, the property was just breathtaking…

 

CSA Farm

Rows and rows of luscious fresh greens, just waiting to be picked and devoured.  

 

CSA Farming

 

I was so grateful to be given a personal tour by the director of the CSA program.  We walked through the entire journey of the veggies from the ground, to the cooler, to the delivery truck.   

CSA

 

And it all happens in one day.  Now that’s fresh!  

Harper and I had such a blast on our tour.  Looking forward to heading out for another visit soon :)

Now let’s take a look at what type of freshness the party goers have been whipping up.  Last week there were 8 link ups.  And my oh my are there some yummy dishes to brag about.  As much as I love my produce, I also love me some bacon.  Thanks to Jess from Hesitantly Healthy, I can enjoy some Easy Baked Brussels Sprouts, Red Potato and Bacon from the comfort of my computer screen…drool!  And Tammy from Agrigirl shared a beautiful and colorful Yellow Squash Gazpacho.  Finally, I am loving the simple and clean flavors of Brian’s Avocado Toast from Lettuce Never Squash our Love.  Thanks to everyone for linking up and sharing their delicious goodies.  You continue to spoil me :)

You know who else keeps spoiling me?  My freakin awesome CSA!  Check out this week’s haul…

What's in the Box? #74- In Her Chucks

Raspberries AND blackberries…SCORE!  And let me tell you…they are perfectly juicy and sweet.  Simply irresistible.  But I am working my self-control like never before because I have some delicious savory dishes planned for these little gems.  Hoping to get the chance to share them with you :)

Next up are the zucchini.  A HUGE favorite of mine.  Mostly because I can’t get enough of these Turkey Burgers with Homemade Zucchini Fries.  And getting another bunch of crunchy carrots worked out well too, since the burgers aren’t complete without them.  I topped the patties with white cheddar cheese and half of an avocado.  Oh, and some of that crispy green lettuce.  Dinner tonight was heaven.

There is no produce more beautiful to me than golden beets.  They are vibrant, bright and when the dirt and residue are washed away, they almost resemble a glistening gem.  My recipe of choice for golden beets is my Roasted Beets with Walnuts and Gorgonzola because they make the dish sparkle, but this week, my husband has requested beet fritters.  So fritters it is.  And with the fritters I will be serving a perfectly grilled rib eye steak and some of those enormous artichokes, which will also be grilled.

And finally, the leeks.  I am torn with the leeks because I have so many delicious recipes to choose from.  So I guess we will have to see where my taste buds take me this week.  

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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May 23 2013
10 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #73

What's in the Box?

 

It’s 1am and I can’t sleep.  I pretty much feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.  ”Why?” you might ask?  Well, tomorrow morning Harper and I are heading out to our CSA farm for a tour.  A dream come true really.  I can’t wait to see and smell all the glorious food, meet the wonderful people who work there and take a sneak peek at whats to come for the summer growing season.  Looking forward to sharing all the details with you later.

But enough about my insomnia.  Let’s get down to business…

Last week we had 13 link ups.  And two of them included ramps!  Even though week after week I have a variety of delicious and coveted fruits and veggies, I have yet to receive ramps.  But if I ever do, I will be sure to make Lettuce Never Squash Our Love’s Chicken Stir Fry with Ramps and Asparagus or Salted Plates Asparagus and Ramps Pizza.  Another dish I am lusting over is Agrigirl’s Roasted Beet Tart.  Looks absolutely divine!  Thanks to everyone who linked up and shared their goodies this week.  Keep the yummy recipes and pretty produce pics coming :)

Speaking or pretty produce pics…ain’t she a beauty?

What's in the Box? #73- In Her Chucks

I’m seeing green :)  And I love every bit of it.  I have to start with that giant Nappa cabbage.  It literally is the biggest piece of produce I have ever received.  Which means I am going to need a few ideas on how to prepare it.  Looking around on the internet I am thinking about a stir fry, maybe a soup and possibly a salad.  So many delicious options, I can’t go wrong.  And many of those recipes include fresh cilantro so I can go ahead and utilize two veggies with one recipe :)

I am loving these strawberries.  I went away for the weekend so I haven’t been able to finish off my last batch.  So in order to catch up I am going to have to make a few strawberry desserts.  I have that Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake on my mind, or possibly some Strawberry Scones.  Or I might go out on a limb and try something new.  Stay tuned to find out.

I am so excited to get another batch of carrots because while I was away this weekend Harper and I had the privilege of having dinner with a wonderful couple that prepared a killer meal.  I was able to find the recipe and have big plans to recreate it this weekend.  I can’t wait to share it with you guys.

Artichokes are nothing new to me, but I have never received such big ones in my box before.  I am usually stuck with the baby ones which are cute but don’t have much to enjoy.  These bad boys will keep our tummies happy for a while.  With Memorial Day around the corner, these will go great on the grill with an array of dipping sauces.  Yum!

I have recently gotten into breakfast sandwiches.  My friend Jenny introduced me to gluten-free bagels and they are simply amazing.  They are light and fluffy and make the perfect foundation for a veggie egg scramble complete with green onions, spinach and topped with cheese and fresh avocado.  Talk about a breakfast of champions.

And finally sugar snap peas.  A family favorite.  Tomorrow I plan on whipping up Pork Chops and Sugar Snap Peas with Mint Julep Glaze with a side of Mashed Red Potatoes.  I can taste it already :)

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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Apr 11 2013
24 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #69

What's in the Box?

This coming weekend is very big deal for my family…my little brother is getting married.  I mean, he’s not actually little anymore.  In fact, he is a big, brave, soldier, brother, but no matter how tall or strong he gets, he will always be younger (age is really all I have on him anymore…).

And what is even more exciting about this weekend, is that I get to welcome to my family, another sister, Koko.  I couldn’t be more proud of Quincy’s choice of bride.  Beautiful, intelligent and just plain fun.  I have known Koko since we were younger and I have always been a fan (which to be honest, isn’t an easy feat with me.  I tend to be VERY overprotective of my bro, but Koko won me over immediately).  So having them make their union “official” is really just the icing on the cake.

Speaking of cake, did you check out the links from last week?  How I Ate My Box linked up a beautiful Flourless Beet Cake…sounds heavenly doesn’t it?!  Oh, and Farm Fresh Feasts made a killer CSA Grilled Cheese complete with pickled turnips, radishes and carrots.  And finally, if you are looking for some salad inspiration, Clean Eats, Fast Feets hooked us up with a roundup of some of her most beautiful lettuce creations.  Thanks to everyone who linked up.  I always appreciate you sharing your delicious veggie goodness with the rest of the party.

And really, what is a party without a box full of fresh fruits and veggies…

What's in the Box? #69 - In Her Chucks

You know you have been brainwashed by a member of your CSA for too long when you start getting excited about beets.  At the beginning of my CSA journey, I used to loathe beets.  But the truth is, I just didn’t know what to do with them.  Now, with a pretty extensive beet recipe repertoire, I can’t get enough of them.  The last few times I have gotten a bunch of fresh beets in my box, I have made this amazing Roasted Beets with Gorgonzola and Walnuts salad.  I was watching the Barefoot Contessa on TV the other day (the silver lining to having a sick baby…lots of down time), and she was whipping up a Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad that had me drooling.  But on the other hand, that Flourless Beet Cake has me intrigued as well.  Since when is there not enough beets to curb my cravings?  Official produce nerd :)

And then of course you have the asparagus, which is already gone.  We devoured it alongside homemade turkey meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner Tuesday night.  Comfort food at it’s finest.  And for dessert?  Fresh fruit.  Strawberries, kiwi and tangerines.  Sliced.  That’s it.  There really is nothing sweeter.

For the gorgeous head of lettuce I am going to draw from some of Meghan’s delicious ideas.  And to add to the fun, I am sure some of those carrots will end up in my salad somehow too.

It has been a while since I have roasted cauliflower.  It really is my favorite way to prepare it.  So simple but totally irresistible.

And finally, spring onions.  Nothing fancy I’m sure.  But Freddie will love me if I sneak them into his eggs.  Such a good wife am I :)

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!

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Apr 04 2013
21 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #68

What's in the Box?

 

So, let’s jump straight to the chase…how was your Easter?  Was the weather nice?  Was the food good?  Was there an adorable little toddler dressed up on the patio, posing for pictures in her fancy dancy Easter dress?

 

Harper Easter 2013

Well, if you couldn’t tell by the pic, our Easter was lovely!  It started out with huge breakfast complete with a fluffy Hootenanny and homemade sausage, then a lovely trip to church, and finished off the day with a delicious Easter feast with great company.  It was potluck style and I was in charge of dessert (and veggies of course!).  So I brought a Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake and 2 batches of Lime Squares with Pistachio and Graham-Cracker Crust (with a side of roasted asparagus and steamed broccoli…eaten with the meal, not the dessert).  Needless to say, we all left with our stomach’s happy and full :)

And from the looks of it, I wasn’t the only one eating well this past weekend.  Last week we had 15 link ups and after reading all their delicious recipes, I think Easter deserves another round.  There was Caramelized Onion Duck Fat Baked Poutine, Pasta with Shrimp and Mint Pesto and Butternut Mole Sauce.  And if that’s not enough for you, Kirsty from Farm Fresh Feasts hooked us up with an Easter 2013 Recipe Round Up.  Next year can’t come soon enough :)  Thanks ladies for all of your delicious dishes.  I appreciate you sharing your farm fresh goodies with the rest of us.

Now let’s check out my first haul of April… 

 

What's in the Box? #68

Holy greens!  They come in all shapes and sizes.  Balls, stalks, leaves and bouquets!  I love greens :)  And I am digging into the Brussels first.  I always do.  They are just too good.  And I am excited to serve them alongside a new recipe that I found for those strawberries.  Even after 2 Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cakes, daily snacking and some naughty late night indulgences, I still have strawberries coming out of my ears!  And I hate to see them go to waste so I am doing my very best to scarf down all these berries on my own (the hubs isn’t a fan and little miss Harper can only eat so many with her tiny little frame).  Hoping to share the recipe with you soon.

Speaking of Harper and her tiny frame, she has practically barreled through the broccoli on her own.  I steamed it up last night and she barely left any for the grown ups.  I LOVE how much she LOVES broccoli :)  I just wish she would share a little…

I know it’s hard to see from the pic, but that celery, is HUGE!  It barely fit in the box.  And it is perfectly crisp and fragrant.  Not quite sure what I have in store for it except for using it for the usual base of a yummy homemade sauce or soup and an easy snacking option (along with those tangerines…which are almost gone!).

These Turkey Ricotta Meatballs always seem to be my go-to recipe for spinach, but it’s such a hit I can’t resist.  And it has been a while since we made it.  Of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a side salad and that beautiful head of romaine lettuce will be perfect!  Might even throw in a stalk of that celery for some extra crunch.

I am determined to make some grapefruit cookies this week.  In fact, Harper promised to help me.  So we plan to get busy (and messy) in the kitchen tomorrow and make it happen.  Recipe coming soon.

Finally, I recently shared this Swiss Chard Smoothie recipe with My Yummy Local Life and it made me want to make one for myself.  Sounds like a great way to jump-start the morning :)

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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Mar 27 2013
17 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #67

What's in the Box? We are busy getting ready for Easter around here, which includes dying batches of hardboiled eggs.  This year, I thought it would be fun to include Harper and her buddy Robin in this process.  However, our egg dying quickly turned into a color mixing experiment.

Dying Easter Eggs

Thank God I had the wisdom to set everything up outside.  I can’t imagine what my kitchen table would look like!  But that’s what hanging with toddlers is all about.  Lots of laughing, lots of learning and lots of messes.

In addition to hardboiled eggs, a proper spread will be in order for Sunday’s brunch as well.  So let’s take a look at last week’s party for some inspiration, shall we?

Last week we had 10 link ups.  And let’s hope none of you are currently on the Paleo diet because last week it was all about the carbs.  There was a nice variety of fresh pizza ideas including Asparagus with Prosciutto, Broccoli and Cheddar, and Mushroom with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola.  Yum!  But the fun didn’t stop there.  Lettuce Never Squash Our Love linked up a Pasta with Spinach and Butternut Squash.  Divine!  Yeah, it was a good week :)  Thank you to everyone who participated.  Your delicious and nutritious dishes never cease to amaze me.

Moving on to my farm fresh goodies for this week…

What's in the Box? #67

As I mentioned yesterday, in my sleepy slurred speech, I got my box on Tuesday this week.  They had to do a bit of rearranging with the routes which bumped my delivery up a day.  Yeah me!  Only time will tell if I will be able to change my blogging routine up a day earlier.  Stay tuned for that.

Upon opening my box, I immediately began to devour each and every item with my eyes.  For starters, the fennel, garlic, onion and orange were thrown into some Braised Pork with Orange and Fennel for dinner yesterday.  I had pretty much everything I needed except for the meat which made my trip to the grocery store quick and easy (and cheap too!).

After the success of the strawberry cake I bragged about last week (recipe coming soon…promise), I might have to go for round two.  We have plans to go to a few Easter gatherings this weekend and it is sure to be a real crowd pleaser.

I never got around to making any of my carrot sweets (these or these) last week because I was too busy stuffing my face with How I Ate My Box’s Chicken, Carrot and Leek Stew.  When I tell you this is the most amazing dish I have had in a long time…I am in no way exaggerating.  My whole family gobbled it up.  And then went back for seconds.  So you can be sure I will be making this again this week.  The hubby (who continued to ask me why I had never made this for him before) will be VERY pleased :)  And it will be even better served with a green salad on the side jazzed up with some of those lovely apples.

For the sage I am thinking about making my dad’s famous chicken.  I am pretty sure I owe you a recipe on this one I just never seem to be able to snap a pic before everyone digs in.  It’s just soooooo good :)  I will do my best to get it done this time around.

And finally for the arugula, I am thinking about some Grilled Steak Soft Tacos.  It has been a while since I have made this and after reminding myself of how good it looks simply from the picture, I can’t wait until dinner tomorrow night :)

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Mar 07 2013
19 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #64

boxquestionintrowhite

Today was a big day!  Today, Harper and I dropped off all the paperwork for her preschool.  Which means her first day will be Friday.  I can’t believe my little girl is going to start school already!  Where did the time go?

I actually hadn’t planned on Harper starting school until the fall.  When looking into preschool options after Harper was born, I learned about some co-op preschools in town and loved the concept of being able to work at the school one day a week.  However, those programs start when they are 2 years, 9 months.  Which, to be honest, sounded perfect to me.  But Harper had other plans.

Ever since her first experience with daycare at church, Harper asks if she can go to “church tomorrow” everyday.  Through a mommy friend of mine, I learned that the church offers a preschool as well.  So we went ahead and looked into it and were very happy with the program.  After two weeks of working on the large packet of paperwork, we finally turned it in today.  Which means, it’s official.  My baby is going to school.

So in the spirit of celebrating this important milestone, let’s get wild and crazy with another weekly produce party :)

Last week we had 6 link ups!  And from the looks of it, everyone is ready for St.Patty’s day.  Greens all around.  There was Green Eggs No Ham, Kale Pesto, and a delicious Broccoli and Cheese Pizza.  My Irish roots have me doing a little jig over these delightful dishes.  Thanks ladies for sharing your festive eats :)

Now let’s take a look at what I will be working with this week…

IMG_4904

After 2 years of participating in my CSA, it is rare that I receive a veggie that I have never tried before.  So this box will go down in history for my introduction to Romanesco broccoli.  Thanks to this party, I have seen other folks get it in their box before, but I have never had the pleasure of trying it for myself.  I can’t wait to start looking up recipes.

I am also excited to see another 2 lbs worth of red garnet sweet potatoes.  I was immediately inspired to whip up another batch of this Sweet Potato Turkey Shepherd’s Pie.  We have company coming over for dinner on Friday and this will be the perfect meal :)  I plan on serving it with a side salad using that gorgeous head of red leaf lettuce.

Apparently I am on a comfort food kick because those turnips make me want to spend my weekend cooking up this Beer-Braised Beef with Onion, Carrot, and Turnips dish.  It is DIVINE!  I would love to make this for my company except for it takes hours to cook, and on a Friday night after a day of music classes and toddler fun, I just don’t have the time.  So I like to save these recipes for the weekend, when I can start preparing it early enough that dinner can be served at a decent hour.

Speaking of the weekend, I love to juice on the weekends.  And those grapefruits, apples and beautiful bunch of kale would make a killer combo.  I might even have a few carrots left over from last week to throw into the mix too :)

I have been on a Greek yogurt kick lately (maybe because they were on sale at Ralphs and I bought a boatload).  And I love the addition of fresh berries sliced on top.  It is a delicious daytime snack or after dinner treat.

Finally, I will be making this Apricot Pork Chops recipe and serving the sugar snap peas on the side.  I like to give them a quick boil and then toss them in butter, lemon zest and garlic.  Yum!

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS: Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!  You only have until March 11th to get your entries in.  Remember to leave a comment on the original post letting me know that you have completed the tasks.  Your comments act as your entry into the giveaway.  Good luck!

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Feb 13 2013
12 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #61

boxquestionintrowhite

Four full days of being a “single mom” while Freddie was away on business and I am officially pooped.  Not only was I 100% responsible for my little nugget, but I was teaching 2 classes a day, preparing my Fresh Start meals, keeping the house clean and attempting to blog.  Phew!  I need a vacation.  Welcome home Da-da…can mommy take a nap?

But before I go and close my eyes, let’s take a quick look at last week’s party participants.  We had 5 delicious link ups and clearly these ladies aren’t messing around.  I mean Beet Pizza Crust, Broccoli Salad (with bacon…), and Flemish Beef Stew…we’re eating good in this neighborhood :)  Thank you for sharing your yummy goodies with the rest of the party.  Keep the good food coming!

Speaking of good food…can’t wait to get busy with this lovely produce.

What's in the Box? #61- In Her Chucks

Strawberries again?  Makes my Valentines Day that much more sweet.  I sliced a few up for last nights dessert and plan on incorporating them into as many meals as possible.  I LOVE strawberries :)

I also got 2 big bunches of beets!  Oh, the possibilities.  After seeing Kirsten’s Beet Pizza Crust, it makes me want to dabble in some “dirty” eating (as she so eloquently wrote in my comments…).  But let’s be real, beet pizza crust is a far better choice than plain pizza crust, right?  As far as nutritional value goes…(I’m doing my best to justify my future choices…).

Did you see what else I got two bunches of?  That’s right…kale!  Two bunches of the most beautiful Red Russian Kale you have ever seen.  I will most definitely put one of them to use with some of my meals this week and the other might just end up in soup that I plan to make for a friend.

And then of course there are those amazing sugar snap peas.  They are such a delicious treat.  Perfect timing for an upcoming date night with the hubs.  These Pork Chops andSugar Snap Peas with Mint Julep Glaze should hit the spot.

As far as my Fresh Start Challenge goes, the rest of the box will work great for my final few days of meals.  I have another fruit salad coming up where I plan on using the oranges and apples, a few salads that I can use this lettuce for and the carrots and garlic will come in handy for another batch of Tomato Basil Bisque (which means I might even get a chance to share the recipe!).

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.  I will be celebrating my 4 year wedding anniversary with my two loves…cheers!

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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Feb 06 2013
22 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #60

boxquestionintrowhite

Sometimes you just have to look at life and laugh.  For some reason or another today was not my day.  It started out fine.  I woke up around 8, enjoyed a glass of Amazing Grass Greens while I made breakfast.  Skyped with my mom while I sorted laundry.  Then after we hung up I took the clothes outside to start a load, came back and realized I had locked myself out.  Thank God I had my phone in my pocket because I was able to call Freddie and he was there in less than 5 minutes.  I shrugged it off as a lesson learned (make sure to check the locks before I go outside) and went about my day.  On my way home from music class, I was running errands and decided to stop by the bank.  I completed a quick transaction at the ATM and was getting ready to jump back in the car when I pulled the handle and realized it was lock.  You have got to be kidding me!  The keys (and my cell phone) were sitting there on the front seat.  I went inside the bank so that I could use their phone to call Freddie.  Again he came to my rescue.  He thought I was joking.  I wish I was.  When he pulled up I started laughing.  He didn’t think it was funny.  To be honest, I didn’t think it was funny either, but I didn’t know what else to do.  I locked myself out of my house and car in one day.  Who does that?  Apparently me.  So I have decided to stay home in my PJs tomorrow so that I won’t get locked out of anywhere…and maybe catch up on some sleep too.

So in order to lighten the mood a bit, let’s talk about some of my favorite things…veggies!

Last week we had 7 link ups!  And these might be some of my favorite posts to date.  Let’s start out with this amazing Chickpeas and Spinach with Garlic Aioli by Gourmet Veggie Mama.  I’ll be the first to admit, I never thought chickpeas could hold their own as the star of a main dish, but this recipe has definitely changed my mind.  Got oranges?  Researching San Diego has all the orange recipes you will ever need.  Orange you glad I gave you the link?  And finally, how about some Cheesy Oozy Baked Breadcrumb’d Butternut Squash and Cauliflower Gratin from Gastronomical Sovereignty?  Makes you want to cross your fingers in hopes of more Cauliflower, right?  :)  Thanks ladies for sharing all your delicious goodies with the rest of the party.  Keep the yummies coming!

Now moving on to my yummies for the week…

In Her Chucks: What's in the Box? #60

Fresh strawberries in February?  I’ll take it!  Happy Valentines Day to me :)  And they are here in perfect time for me to enjoy them as part of my meal plan.  They will be a delicious post dinner snack.

I am also glad to see the spinach, lettuce, carrots and broccoli as all of those items are on the shopping list for this week’s meals.  The spinach and lettuce will be delicious in an Asian Salad, the carrots will make a great afternoon snack and the broccoli will be going in some stir fry.

Freddie is currently devouring the mandarins as we speak.  They really are the perfect little treat.  The blood oranges will most likely become juice (a new weekend tradition).  The potatoes might join the oranges for breakfast.  How about some fresh hash browns?  All for the hubs and the baby though…none for me this time around.

I am glad that squash keeps because I will be tackling this after my two week meal plan is up.  I am thinking about either this recipe for Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash or Spaghetti Squash Pancakes…yum!  Can’t wait to start experimenting in the kitchen.

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!

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Jan 18 2013
18 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #58

boxquestionintrowhite

So, my mom has this theory.  She believes that people tend to be most active during the time of day that they were born.  For example, if you were born in the morning, than you are a “morning person”.  If you were born in the evening, then you are most likely a night owl.  Since having my own daughter, I would have to agree with this.  Harper’s best time of day is in the morning (she was born at 10:54 am).  I was born at 10:45 pm and have always been most productive during the late hours of the night.  That is, until recently.  You see, I am totally losing my mojo!  When I first started this blog, I would write until 2 or 3 am in the morning.  Never once seemed to bother me.  Now, I can’t get past 10:30!  What kind of wimp am I turning into?

But what does this have to do with farm, fresh produce?  Well, last night, as I was uploading the pictures of my box onto the computer, I went into our room to put Harper to sleep.  Before I knew it, it was daylight and I was still in my jeans and no blog post was written.  But I must say, going to sleep at 8:30 made me feel like a total rock star when it was time to wake up this morning.  I was so refreshed and rested.  So, that’s what a proper night of sleep feels like :)  But, again, my apologies for my tardiness.  Might have to rethink my late night posts if my early bed time continues…

Moving on to bigger and better things…last week we had 8 link ups.  And I know I might be biased, but this link party has the best participants out there.  Loyal, sweet and darn good cooks!  This week they cooked up Butternut Squash Waffles, Broccoli and Caramelized Onion Pizza, Greens with Bacon and Onions, Blueberry and Banana Smoothie, Radish Chips and Grilled Swiss Cheese and Sweet Pepper Relish on Beet Bread.  Talk about good eats.  So much delicious goodness, I don’t even know where to start!  Thanks ladies for keeping this party going.  I appreciate you sharing your yummy treats week after week.

Now let’s take a look at what arrived on my doorstep yesterday…

What's in the Box? #58 - In Her Chucks

Loving me some acorn squash!  It has been a while since this gorgeous and colorful ovoid shaped veggie graced my box and I can’t wait to get busy with it.  There are so many delicious recipes that have been shared at our weekly parties, but I think I am going to go with a simple roast and sprinkle it with some cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and butter.  Sounds sinful :)

I am also excited about those beets.  I recently got a mandolin slicer and am dying to make some beet chips.  If all goes well, beets will no longer be safe in my household.  Ever.

Thank God for sweet and juicy mandarins.  They are my favorite snack.  I keep them in the fruit bowl in the kitchen and am known to grab a few while I am racing around the house, chasing after Harper.  Apparently, I munched on too many last week, because when Freddie went to the fruit bowl to grab a few for himself they were all gone.  Ooops!  Freddie made sure to grab a nice size stash to bring to the office this morning.  Wanted to make sure he had his fair share :)

Apples are another delicious treat!  I was happy to replenish my stock as last week’s apples went pretty quickly.  We sliced up some today with some of the carrots and enjoyed dipping them in almond butter.  Yummers!

After the success of our last round of homemade OJ, these oranges will definitely be thrown into the juicer.  It’s the perfect activity for a weekend morning while you have bacon in the oven and pancakes on the stove.

And speaking of bacon, I will definitely be sautéing that swiss chard with some bacon and those onion I got thanks to some inspiration from CSA Mom.

Finally, I have a new lease on life when it comes to salads.  This past weekend my mom and I celebrated a close friend’s 40th birthday.  And not only did they have yummy tacos and killer margaritas, but the salad was out of this world.  The secret ingredient?  Brianna’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette.  It will change your life.  Promise.

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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